Meet WPI Volunteer Organizers
Shatavisha Dasgupta

and Beth Hakamy

Interviewed on April 16, 2025

Grace: Hi Shata and Beth!  I want to first thank you, both, for all you have done to help launch the Women in Pathology Informatics (WPI)!  While the Women’s Networking Event will be entering its fourth year, thanks largely to its champion, API’s Executive Director Nova Smith and long-term donor Doc De Baca, the WPI was able to get off the ground in part thanks to your joint efforts. With your enthusiasm and dedication, we had our first virtual session in March. Thank you!

I want to begin by first asking what motivated you to volunteer to help with WPI?  What about your experience with the Women’s Networking Event encouraged you to step forward?

Shata: As a Pathologist currently working as a Computational Researcher, I care deeply about increasing the visibility of women in Science—and even more so in the fields of Computational Science and Informatics. Building a supportive, inclusive community where we can share our experiences and learn from each other is essential to achieving this goal. Last year (2024) was my first time attending the PI Summit, and I was genuinely delighted by how welcoming and approachable the API community was! It was actually during the Women’s Networking event that I met Dr. Ji Yeon Kim (Past President of API), from whom I learned about the ‘women’s chapter’ of API. I was instantly intrigued and was eager to help in any way I could! Later in the conference, I met Beth (Hakamy), who also expressed interest in WPI! Over the past several months, we’ve collaborated closely—with a LOT of support from Grace and Nova—to help bring WPI to life!

Beth: I will give the credit to Shata for initiating the efforts and including me. I have been a member of a couple of general “women in science/bio” groups, and I benefited a lot from offerings like mentoring pods, negotiation workshops, etc. I always wanted to contribute to an effort that combines the two main themes of my career, informatics and pathology. My main motivation is hearing from others who succeeded either by carving their way, or taking a well-established route. My professional journey is anything but linear, and as women, mentorship and guidance takes us more diligence in seeking. I can always use a structure, and a dedicated time and place where asking the challenging questions is not only permitted, but encouraged! My experience in the technical field made me aware that for some, this comes spontaneously, over lunches, walks, etc.. for others, the structure is square one! WPI is so personal in that respect!

Grace: What do you find most valuable in connecting with other women in pathology informatics?  As individuals working towards building a career in pathology informatics, what do you think is most helpful in your early journey?

Shata: I find it quite valuable to be a part of a community where one can share their challenges and successes openly, without the fear of judgment. As we progress in our careers and become increasingly independent, we start feeling a bit isolated in our professional journeys. In those moments, it can be reassuring just to know that many of the obstacles we face are not unique, and others have successfully navigated similar paths. Whether it’s seeking advice on career development or handling difficult situations, or even tackling imposter syndromes, there is a lot to be gained by engaging with communities such as WPI. I’ve been fortunate to be mentored by phenomenal women leaders, in the past, as well as, in my current position. I grew up watching my mother efficiently balance her career (albeit not in Pathology nor Informatics) and her family life! These women have served as inspirational role models and helped me believe in my potential. Visibility and supportive mentorship matter deeply, especially during the early stages of one’s career, and I believe WPI has the potential to make meaningful progress in this space.

Beth: I won't shy from saying that it is having access to the suitable form of close guidance. Especially, as someone who stands uniquely at a few intersections, sometimes even drifting away from the “pathology” one, staying connected with the network, and up-to-date with the accelerated changes in the fields, is crucial. While each journey is unique, many of the obstacles are common or similar. At times, it could be that interesting topic that you won't hear about otherwise, in others, an easier or more efficient path to accomplish something.. The access to colleagues where you can be sounding boards for each other, and get advice you can trust, is invaluable!

Grace: What do you envision for WPI? Where do you think it could make an impact?

Shata and Beth: Based on the survey responses we received from API/WPI members, we’ve identified several exciting next steps to consider. On the mentorship front, we were thinking of a “mastermind” style initiative, which could include speed mentoring sessions or small-group discussions with mentors over several meetings. A women leaders panel in an “ask-the-panelists-anything” format could also be helpful to facilitate candid and insightful conversations. Additionally, celebrating key occasions such as Lab Professionals Week, Pathology Day, or International Women’s Day can be a meaningful opportunity to spotlight our community members through social media! We are also eager to explore ways to support travel and accommodations for trainees, and to advocate for a more women-friendly conference experience overall, including solutions like on-site childcare. Expanding our reach to include a broader range of professionals, such as engineers, technicians, pathobiologists, and image analysts can further enrich both WPI and the broader API community. We’re looking forward to the upcoming WPI event at the PI Summit to gather feedback and finalize plans together.

Grace: Thank you for your time - it is so great to get your perspective on how API can support women in pathology informatics throughout all stages of professional development. And, thank you for your ongoing efforts with WPI!